Marking a deposit item

Abstract

In order to identify an item, on which a return deposit can be imposed, an element, which can at least be read in the radio frequency range and/or optionally one which can be switched or activated, are/is provided on the item. This element is activated optionally before or upon handing over the item and/or payment of a deposit for the item. The element is activated in such a manner that enables the item to be identified as one on which a deposit has been imposed. Before or upon returning the item, the element is read and, optionally when reimbursing the deposit, the element is activated and or deactivated in such a manner that enables the item to be identified as one on which a deposit is not imposed.

1. A method for releasing and returning an object on which a redemption deposit is imposed when the object is released, and for ensuring that the redemption deposit is only paid once when the object is returned by identifying the object and determining if the deposit is due or not due, the method comprising:
 providing a self-contained element on the object that switches between a first state indicating that the object has been released and that the redemption deposit is due, and a second state indicating that the object has been returned and that the redemption deposit has been paid and is no longer due; 
 reading the element to determine whether the element is in the first state so that the redemption deposit is due, or in the second state so that no redemption deposit is due, without reference to any information that is outside the element and so as to determine whether the redemption deposit should be paid or not; 
 providing a region having an input for return of the object; 
 conveying the object to the region using a transporting device; 
 providing a first detection device in the region for reading the element on the object; 
 evaluating data read by the first detection device to determine whether the element is in the first state or the second state; 
 displaying the state that the element is in so that if the element is in the first state, payment of the redemption deposit is allowed, and if the element is in the second state, payment of the redemption deposit is withheld; and 
 providing a second detection device between the input and the first detection device for detecting association information on the element that indicates an association of the object with a selected deposit system, the second detection device being coupled to the transport device for interrupting conveying of the object if said association information is not read. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , including providing the element to be an identification chip or a magnetic strip. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the element comprises an identification chip or a magnetic strip, the method including storing on the element, at least one piece of additional information selected from the group consisting of: an identity of a release site, a release date, an identity of a content of the object, an identification number, and an identity of a deposit system, and using the additional information to determine whether the element may be switched between the first and second states. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , including reading the element to determine whether the element is in the first state or the second state by one of: infrared signals, magnetic recording and radio frequency identification. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , including switching the element between the first and second states using one of infrared signals, magnetic recording or radio frequency control. 
     
     
       6. An arrangement for identification and return of an object on which a redemption deposit is imposed, and for determining if the deposit is due or is not due, comprising:
 a self-contained element on the object that switches between a first state indicating that the object has been released and that the redemption deposit is due, and a second state indicating that the object has been returned and that the redemption deposit has been paid and is no longer due, the element is read to determine whether the element is in the first state so that the redemption deposit is due, or in the second state so that no redemption deposit is due, without reference to any information that is outside the element so as to determine whether the redemption deposit should be paid or not; 
 a region having an input for return of the object; 
 a transport device in the region for conveying the object; 
 a first detection device in the region for reading the element on the object; 
 a circuit connected to the first detection device for evaluating data read by the first detection device to determine whether the element is in the first state or the second state; 
 a display for displaying the state that the element is in so that if the element is in the first state, payment of the redemption deposit is allowed, and if the element is in the second state, payment of the redemption deposit is withheld; and 
 a second detection device between the input and the first detection device for detecting association information on the element that indicates an association of the object with a selected deposit system, the second detection device being coupled to the transport device for interrupting conveying of the object if said association information is not read. 
 
     
     
       7. The arrangement of  claim 6 , wherein element is an RFID label, the first and second detection devices being RFID interrogators for reading or writing the RFID label. 
     
     
       8. The arrangement of  claim 7 , including an output region downstream of the input for receiving each object released by the transport device only if the first and the second detection devices have detected the object to be entitled to payment of the deposit, and associated with the selected deposit system. 
     
     
       9. The arrangement of  claim 8 , including an alarm sender for issuing an acoustic or visual alarm if the first and second detection devices have detected the object to be unentitled to payment of the deposit, or not associated with the selected deposit system. 
     
     
       10. The arrangement of  claim 9 , including a servicing member for trigger payment of the deposit or for display the deposit payment, or for trigger printing of a receipt for payment of the deposit, if the first and second detection devices have detected the object to be entitled to payment of the deposit, and associated with the selected deposit system. 
     
     
       11. The arrangement of  claim 10 , including a displaceable wall which is coupled to the first and second detection devices, operable so that upon positive identification of the element with respect to association to the deposit system and deposit payment entitlement, the wall is opened for passaged of the object, and, after passage of the object, the door is closed.